Hello Arkansas Trappers! Hope everyone had a great summer and hope to see you at the ATA Annual Convention at Petit Jean State Park September 10th. There will be a full day of activities including trapping demonstrations by Jim Spencer, Charlie Bass and Mike Fischer, trapping supply vendors, potluck lunch, ATA business meeting and auction.

Organizers David White and Vettie Waller have some children programs planned for Saturday and are looking for volunteers to oversee and help with the kids. Districts and chapters will be the topic of discussion at the business meeting so be sure to attend and voice your opinion. Friday night before the convention, there will be a cookout and a directors meeting. For more information, you can contact David White at 501-776-8448 or Vettie Waller at 870-599-4347. Send your nominations for Mr/Mrs Trapper and Trapper of the Year to Don Wilcox, by phone 479-997-8759 or by mail 9906 Booth Road, Mulberry, AR 72947.

There’s still time to make reservations for the ATA Trappers Workshop on the weekend of October 28-30. The workshop is held at Camp Clearfork (20 mi west of Hot Springs), the cost is $10 for age 18 and under, $20 for over 18, lodging and meals are included. Scouts, 4-H and other groups are welcome. Space is limited in the cabins and priority is given to first time attendees. Camping facilities and motels are nearby. Reservations must be received by October 15th. For more information, contact Aaron Hitchcock 479-997-5361.

Beginner and experienced trappers will attend trapping demonstrations and short how-to clinics all day Saturday and half a day Sunday to learn how to make foothold, bodygrip and snare sets, how to prepare your fur for sale and learn furbearer identification, habitat and behavior.

To register for Trappers Workshop by mail, send check or money order to Trappers Workshop, c/o Aaron Hitchcock, 9331 Sister Lane, Mulberry, AR 72947. Please include the following information for each trapper registered: Name, Address, Phone, Age, Arrival Time (Fri PM or Sat AM), First Time Attending? (Yes/No), Staying in Cabins? (Yes/No).

Just a reminder that all hunting licenses and free trapping permits expired June 30th. Get your licenses renewed and check the AGFC regulations to make sure your equipment and methods are legal for this season. AGFC has clarified the regulations for measuring body grip traps and 10”x10” is the maximum size for water sets, 6”x6” is the maximum size for land sets using body grip traps.

Next month we’ll have a report of the National Trappers Association Convention in Columbia, MO.